Program Officer-Economic Development and Food Security (National Position)

Key Areas of Responsibility
This position exists to support NCA Puntland office program to effectively assess, design, plan, implement, monitor, evaluate and report on the Economic Development and Food security Projects in Puntland as detailed in the annual plan and NCA Somalia 5-year Country strategy 2025- 2029. The following are the core areas of responsibility:

1. Conduct context and situational assessments and design new programmes and projects.
2. Program planning and implementation.
3. Coordination with implementing partners.
4. Monitoring and reporting on ED&FS projects
5. Networking, collaboration, and coordination
6. Promote Humanitarian Accountability to affected Populations (APP)
7. Budget implementation and management of ED&FS projects in Puntland

MAIN TASKS

1. Conduct context and situational assessments and design new programmes and projects.
   1. Support Puntland Area Coordinator and ED&FS Advisor in conducting periodic needs assessment related to livelihood and food security of the target groups in targeted locations.
   2. Monitor field security situation and keep staff and management updated on developments.
   3. Contribute to development of proposals with innovative solutions including digitization.
   4. Contribute to an environment of creativity and innovation in the Economic Empowerment Programme
   5. Design all projects in alignment with NCA Somalia Strategy, global priorities, donor priorities and local community priorities as per the approved NCA’s policies and procedures.

 

2. Program planning and implementation.
   1. Mobilize communities in the project area to participate in the planning, implementation, monitoring and learning of the projects.
   2. Promote community participation through establishment of community linkages that recognize positive contribution to program interventions.
   3. Plan and implement all project activities as per the approved proposal and NCA’s policies and procedures.
   4. Support efficient delivery of the Economic Development and Food Security  Projects (ED&FS) by participating in the planning, implementing, and reporting.
   5. Facilitate in Agricultural value chain analysis & reached all stakeholders & generate reports and implement value chain activities chosen by target groups based on value chain market analysis.
   6. Assist in implementing Agricultural activities focusing on livelihood diversifications, fodder production & value chains related projects / programs in Puntland State of Somalia.
   7. In liaison with the Puntland Area Coordinator, ED&FS Advisor and partners, prepare work plans for efficient and timely implementation of the project activities.

3. Integration, Collaboration and Coordination with other NCA programs and implementing partners.
   1. Create synergies with other NCA Programmes (WASH, GBV, Peace Building and Education), Provide technical support in the assigned districts within Puntland State in collaboration with other livelihood teams including supporting livelihood diversification & VSLA team to reach the project goal.
   2. Ensure that the cross-cutting themes such as Gender, conflict, environment, human rights, are integrated in all projects and the partners’ MEAL plans and systems.
   3. Build relationships with small producers, agro pastoral communities, farmers groups, riverine communities, and local administration to introduce the project and facilitate access to information related to project activities and scope.
   4. Develop and maintain close working relationships with the community leaders and the local authorities in the project area.
4. Monitoring, Learning and Reporting on ED&FS projects.
   5. Work closely with the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (PMER) officer to regularly update all project monitoring tools while keeping accurate records of the same.
   6. Conduct monitoring of Economic Empowerment activities implemented by NCA and partners in Puntland.
   7. Support in the tracking of outcome data of project activities evidenced by accurate data to enhance quality of reporting.
   8. Maintain up to date database with records of information of all project beneficiaries for follow ups and reporting.
   9. Compile timely and regular progress and final reports and submit to the ED&FS Advisor.
   10. Support the Programme Managers and Technical Advisors to prepare progress and final project reports based on accurate and evidence-based data.
   11. Identify, document, disseminate change stories, case studies, lessons learned, and best practices.
   12. Plan staff and partners quarterly review meetings on project monitoring and learning updates, achievements, challenges.
   13. Responsible for the identification, selection and registration of all project beneficiaries based on the approved criteria.
   14. Ensure the accuracy of all data presented in reports to stakeholders including to local government units, partners, community beneficiaries, among others.
   15. In collaboration with the PMER Officer, participate in programme related surveys, baselines, needs assessments, reviews, and evaluations at field level.

 

5. Networking, collaboration, and coordination
   16. Participate in field level inter agency coordination meetings e.g. Food Security Cluster and other relevant coordination forums.
   17. Build relationships with small producers, agro pastoral communities, farmers groups, riverine communities, and local administration to introduce the project and facilitate access to information related to project activities and scope.
   18. Develop and maintain close working relationships with the community leaders and the local authorities in the project area.

6. Accountability to affected populations (AAP)
   19. Ensure all ED&FS projects have developed contextualized Complaint and Response mechanisms to aid communities in raising complaints or giving feedback to NCA and ensure this information is used to improve implementation and guide future programming.
   20. Act as a focal point for Complaints and Response Mechanisms (CRM) for all ED&FS projects and ensure proper documentation and response to all complaints received.
2. Budget implementation and management of ED&FS projects in Puntland
   1. Closely monitor grants disbursement to project beneficiaries as well as the performance of grant recipients.
   2. Ensure all project budgets are spent in line with Donors and NCA financial policies and guidelines. 

Professional Qualifications
Relevant university degree in Agriculture, agronomy, animal science with extensive knowledge and experience in crop and livestock production, agroforestry, agroecology, organic farming, irrigation, and marketing. Additionally, you must have the ability to conduct research, analysis, and data collection using relevant tools and methods.
• Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in Economic Development and Food Security with particular focus in agriculture and value chain development.
• Experience implementing Cash Based Programming.
• Experience in working in both humanitarian and development context and in transition from emergency to recovery. (Nexus).
• Working Knowledge on Results Based Management (RBM), Do No Harm (DNH) and Core Humanitarian Standards.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated strong understanding of Monitoring and Evaluation process and tools.
• Fluent in Somali and English
• Excellent analytical, communication and report writing skills.
• Experience in proposal development and fundraising
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong personal integrity and commitment to accountability.
• Able to work independently, able to prioritize and be self-motivated.
• Experience with the development, implementation & compliance of Norad, EU, WFP, USAID programs, etc.


We Offer
Contract period: 6 Months with the possibility of extension.
Salary: According to NCA salary scale.
Duty Station: Garowe.
Travel: Some

Key Information - Please Take Note When Applying

• Apply by completing all the system-required fields of your experience, employment history, and education in your application.
• Ensure to attach your latest CV.
• Submit your application and CV in English.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as per your passport.
• Incomplete, email and paper applications will not be considered.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered.
• Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position.

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Before you apply:  
We kindly ask you to carefully read the  ACT Code of Conduct for the prevention of misconduct, including corruption, fraud, exploitation and abuse, including sexual; and to ensure child safeguarding and the  Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding policy before you submit your application. If you are the selected candidate for this position you will be asked to complete and sign our Code of Conduct and Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse, and Child Safeguarding Policy.  
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